> Virtual walk > May 24 > Big Tadpole

Stepping up to the edge of the water at the north part of the settling pond, I saw a number of small tadpoles, but much fatter than the ones in the amphibian breeding pond. These are almost certainly tadpoles of the American Toad (Bufo americanus), the only toad found in this area. Mating calls of these toads were heard in the early part of May, but haven't been heard lately, so the mating season for the American Toad is likely finished here.

In the picture is a much bigger tadpole which was swimming around at the edge of the pond. This one was about 10 cm long (including the tail), and is starting to look more like an adult frog than a tadpole. It didn't have any legs that I could see, but nostrils and eyes are becoming very visible. This tadpole would have hatched from an egg prior to hibernating last winter. A number of frog species metamosphose slowly; for example, the Green Frog can take one to two years to change into an adult.

Another notable first for 2001: While standing on the edge of the pond at 5 p.m., I could clearly hear the mating calls of the Green Frog, for the first time this season, coming from the far side of the pond.

Well, that's it for today's virtual walk. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to do another one soon. In the meantime, come out in person and take your own walk. There's no substitute for the real thing. See the home page for details.